Ichiriki

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: Lunch Chanko Set ($12.95)

Everyone knows that unforgettable plate of neatly arranged veggies, mushrooms, tofu and perfectly sliced cuts of quality meat when it comes to their table at Ichiriki. The decadent offering is served with a smile from a friendly staff member, along with the growing anticipation of a delicious hotpot meal to come. And, just when you thought the beloved Japanese restaurant couldn’t get any better, it introduced a new location in Kaimuki, equipped with a conveyor belt for easy hot-pot pickings.

Ichiriki Kaimuki is the only location (four restaurants Islandwide) that serves up its famous chanko, shabu shabu and sukiyaki offerings with customizable a la carte options — fishcake, dumplings, sweet potato and other vegetables — but the establishment is happy to say that it still offers meal sets, too. Lunch Chanko Set ($12.95) is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., while Dinner Chanko Set ($23) runs from 4 p.m. to last call. The sets are perfect for customers who have a hard time deciding what to order, and there is still the option of pulling off extra plates of goodies from the conveyor belt to add on top of your sets at any time.

If there’s one thing that many local establishments lack, it’s the total enjoyable eating experience, which Ichiriki makes sure to provide — and then some. From the excellent service to the top-notch quality of the food, the restaurant exceeds all expectations, and even strives to offer deals and discounts whenever possible to show its appreciation to its customers.

Happy hour at Ichiriki is thankfully longer than most others, as it runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and again from 9 to closing, and offers half off broths and select items, as well as $1 beers (8 p.m.-close). Seniors receive 25 percent off all items not on the happy hour menu Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. at the Kaimuki location (other locations differ slightly).

Ichiriki

1127 11th Ave., Kaimuki (and three other locations)
735-2299
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (last call); Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11:30 (last call)